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Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Science of Fiction, Fiction of Science: A Bidirectional Model of Science Fiction as Sociotechnical Mediation

Authors: Coşkun, Burak Cem;

Science of Fiction, Fiction of Science: A Bidirectional Model of Science Fiction as Sociotechnical Mediation

Abstract

This paper develops a conceptual model of science fiction (SF) as a bidirectional interfacebetween scientific reasoning and narrative construction. Drawing on a recent conversationaltranscript (provided as a primary source), we argue that SF is not fundamentally a predictivepractice but a human-centered sociotechnical activity that frames present tensions through“supported” speculative scenarios. We introduce (i) the notion of a “fictional garment”, fictionas a communicative wrapper for scientific ideas via analogy and allegory, and (ii) a two-arrowinteraction model in which fiction can inform scientific questions and methods while scienceconstrains and shapes fictional world-making. We further discuss utopia/dystopia as diagnosticoutcomes of an era’s capacity to imagine solutions, and we illustrate the framework throughbrief historical vignettes ranging from Lucian of Samosata to modern cinema.

This paper develops a bidirectional interaction model between scientific reasoning and fictional world-building. Rather than treating science fiction as predictive, it conceptualizes SF as sociotechnical mediation structured through constrained speculation and narrative epistemology.

Keywords

Science fiction, Science and technology studies, speculative realism, Utopias, philosophy of science, Writing, literary studies, Fictional Works as Topic, speculative fiction

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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